The young mum who went viral after being photographed slumped in the seat of her car due to a heroin overdose, says she's been clean for a year thanks being shocked into action by the photo.
Erika Hurt was found passed out in her car at a car park, while her 10-month-old little boy was in the backseat. She was photographed with a syringe still in her hand. The photo was shared by the Town of Hope Police Department to raise awareness of the growing drug problem in Indiana.
However, a year later, Erika has re-shared the photo as a reminder and says she's now clean and enjoying being the best mum to her son Parker that she can be.
Credit: Town of Hope Police Department
Advert
Erika, who says she's began using drugs when she was just 15, said: "It was the absolute worst moment of my life.
"I've seriously debated for the past month, on whether I should repost such a painful picture displaying the absolute worst moment of my life.
"Last year, I overdosed with heroin in my car at a parking lot with my precious baby boy inside the car with me.
"I decided to repost the picture simply because it displays exactly what heroin addiction is.
"Also, because I do not want to ever forget where the road of addiction has taken me.
"Little did I know that day, my life was about to change, drastically. Today, I am able to focus on the good that came from that picture.
"Today, I am a mother to my son, again. Today, I am able to be grateful to actually have solid proof where addiction will only lead you, and today I am able to say that I am one year sober.
"I do not tackle recovery alone, I have a very large group of supporters standing behind me each and every day to help make sobriety possible for me.
Erika with Parker a year after quitting drugs. Credit: Caters
Advert
"I had been using since I was 15 years old. I was sober from April 2014 to February 2016 which is also when I gave birth to Parker.
"The picture is a reminder of where my addiction will always lead me.
"Being away from my son for eight months, missing his first birthday, Halloween , thanksgiving, Easter, missing his first time crawling, his first steps, and his first words - that's what made me get and say sober.
"Each milestone I missed in his life caused me to relive that painful moment over and over again. That's what ultimately helped me stay sober."
Credit: Caters
Advert
Erika was rushed into hospital following the overdose and was eventually charged with child neglect and possession of drug paraphernalia. She plead guilty in court and was given a two-year suspended sentence.
Featured Image Credit: Town of Hope Police DepartmentTopics: Heroin, US News, Drugs